Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 203,147?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2031477 x 29021
Negative:
-1 x -203147-7 x -29021
A:
Positive:
1 x 2031477 x 29021
Negative:
-1 x -203147-7 x -29021
Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 203,147, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.
1 | 203,147 | |
-1 | -203,147 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 203,147.
Example:
1 x 203,147 = 203,147
and
-1 x -203,147 = 203,147
Notice both answers equal 203,147
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 203,147 and divide it by 2:
203,147 ÷ 2 = 101,573.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,573.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 203,147 | |
-1 | -203,147 |
Now, we try dividing 203,147 by 3:
203,147 ÷ 3 = 67,715.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,715.6667 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 203,147 | |
-1 | -203,147 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
203,147 ÷ 4 = 50,786.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,786.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 203,147 | |
-1 | 203,147 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 29,021 | 203,147 |
-1 | -7 | -29,021 | -203,147 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator